Daily writing prompt
Do you practice religion?
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Laughing out loud to answer this question…religion wow what a question to ask. So let me see how many ways I can answer this question. First NO. second no. third. N to the O no. Here’s the thing and this is my personal opinion about religion itself. I believe that God himself is a Spirt not trapped in religious affairs, that continues to cause wars and disappointments in the world we see today. I believe religion does not take into consideration the many levels for others in their faith walk. When we think about Jesus and what he said… that he left a comforter for us. A comforter who is always leading and guiding us. Religion does not take into account the many lives of bloodshed that happen do to manipulation and control. I once heard someone say and this is true, ” A great leader is able to listen for understanding of another point of view.” What happened that we as people stopped listening to others and placed judgement on an individual.

I mean how can we say we believe in Christ but, each day judging another for what another individual may not understand. Religion seeks to keep everyone in a tiny box verse understanding another person’s point of view. I mean take a closer look at Christ and the disciples walk with Him. I would say that there are principals we can keep but, Christ I thought came to fulfill the law. So, if Christ left his comforter for each of us who accepts…how is it that we are unable to think outside the box a little. I mean we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (3:23 KJV). I mean in the end it’s not my place to judge but, through truth and love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. Everyone is not on the same faith walk or level as another which makes things different. Christ himself understood that and I am thankful to HIM.

A Mother’s Cry

I see you and hear you
As you wipe those tears from your eyes.
You walk through this world pretending no one 
Sees the heartache and pain because you see
You decide to take on the stress of the world.
Why do you take on this type of pain?
When you have someone higher that can take your pain.
I see you, mother, do you see you too?
I assume not because you lost your way 
When you felt that pain
So, I say to you wipe those tears and find yourself
Because the pain that you bear 
Is the pain from your hurting son.
So I say wipe away those tears because the tears you cry today is the tears of strength, wisdom, and love so you can find your way.






I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this poem as we all had seen someone in our lives go through a rough patch. A place where we are not able to take on their pain but, can only watch from an outward perspective. This poem is Dedicated to my son. I would also like to thank Dorrance Publishing for allowing me to publish this poem in my book “You and I Inspired Me”. 

	


	





	

		
The Keys
	


	
	

		








Daily writing prompt
What personal belongings do you hold most dear?
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What is life without the keys to hold on to in order to get me through my day. The keys are physical but spiritual. I have a set of keys in the hand that was given to me to use. The key that said I was able to unlock as much as I wanted. The physical key was my eyes to read the scripture which in turn unlocked what was inside of me.  The personal belonging is the scripture because it is my key that allows me to look beyond myself but, respect another. The key that helps me to learn relationships in all aspects of my life. The key that allows me to understand another person. The key that unlocks my own personal door. 





Thank you for taking the time to read.

	


	





	

		
Rest in the Storm
	


	
	

		

When it comes to thinking about chaos in the world and everything that has been happening around us. How have you personally been dealing with your problems? I continued to have this phase come to me “Rest in the Storm”. What does that mean to you and how can we as people truly have rest in the storm? It made me ponder for some days now before writing this blog. I had to seek help for the one expert and that is Jesus himself. I am going to paraphrase the story quickly so hold on to your seats…I don’t want you to be washed away lol. Christ was sleep in the ship trying to make it to the other side when a storm occurred. The disciples afraid woke Christ trying to figure out how they would come from out the terrible storm. It’s funny because this is the same storm that Christ told “peace be still” to. How wonderful is that knowing we have a Christ that can calm the waves. Why is it, people have a tough time going through the storm? The next question he asked his disciples…are thee of little faith? What happen if you were on that boat and Christ asked you that very question how would you respond? Well, take some time and think about the question because you have, is or will be in a storm at some point in your life. What you do in that storm only you can answer.





Why I brought this up, thanks for asking… because, no matter what we as people go through in life if your faith is strong, we too can rest in the storm like Christ. There have been many storms that I personally can say I faced just as well as many of you can. I can say I understand why Jesus was resting in the storm. One thing is… well I mean he is the Almighty Son. I truly don’t even need to write any further than that to be honest. I am not here to question your faith but, I would say check your faith for the reason that, despite what you go through like in Luke (10:42) “But one thing is needful: and _______ (insert your name) hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her/him”. Rest in the storm is not being worried, but truly resting knowing that everything is working for your good. Okay, okay, I understand you may have bills piling up, car problems, children misbehaving, being laid off and so forth. Just know that God himself is with you in that storm. Just have faith and know that you will make it to the other side.





Eventually that’s what happened with the disciples, they made it to the other side of the island and of course faced the adversary. But one thing about the story that it teaches after the questioning of who they were on the boat with. They realized building and sticking close by to Christ they were able to conquer any problem that came. Why am I saying this? because, someone is going through this situation at this moment and needs encouragement to get them to the other side. God is saying to you, hold on, don’t give up, just a little while longer because you will soon reap the benefits just by having faith. Again, I am personally a living testimony as challenges are like little pebbles I walk on. I have something greater that continues to carry me each day and that is God. It won’t be easy…because that boat is rocking, waves crashing, wind blowing, water splashing to where you can’t see. Yet you have something on the boat so call on it better yet, speak into it, remember God given you authority to speak over a thing but, for it to resonate you must believe and know you will make it out of your storm okay.





I ask at this time Holy Spirit you were left for us to comfort us, lead and guide us. I ask each and every day that you continue to be that and all else your people may ask for. Whoever at this time is going through a rough patch reveal who you are to them and that they may be receptive to receiving you too. Increase in them as they decrease so that they may have clarity, vision, and a discerning spirit during their storm. Keep them shielded and protected as you are with them. Teach them as they walk and learn with you. AMEN






	


	





	

		
Balance = Boundaries
	


	
	

		

Daily writing prompt
How do you balance work and home life?
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Well, to balance is to maintain sanity in order not to lose my sanity so here is what I do. I personally am a mental health professional by trade but, separate as much as possible. The perk is that I can create my own schedule but at the same time I have it structured. Now, I work five days a week and no weekends, so people move that’s my time. Then twice a week I leave open nighttime and one daytime out the week. I do this in case I have personal errands or appointments to make sure I practice self-care. I mean if I don’t take care of myself how can I help anyone else. I do not mix the two as I make sure to ask my teenager about his day and go to any engagements if involved in.  The amount of time for my clients I make sure to set aside solely for them. I begin my days at least between 4-6 am which is my personal time to just take in the day ahead of me. I make sure I meal prep and have O.Y.O (on your own) where I don’t do any cooking. I usually wait until late nights to complete notes while my son is sleep which gives peace and quiet to think and concentrate. If I am unable to make an engagement I do not hesitate to respond with “No”. I set boundaries and learn how much I can handle at any giving time. This is also incorporating any open mics, worship exercise, and writing that needs to be done. It works for me as each individual is different so just find what works for you but, please make sure to practice self-care. Thank you for taking the time to read.

	


	





	

		
Listening to Identify
	


	
	

		

How many times have you asked yourself one simple question. Who am I and what was I intended to do in this world? I know I asked that very question many years ago. It’s not as easy as sometimes depending on the individual it may take time to go deeper than ever before, for you to identify the true you. Some people have a little farther back to think about this question due to age and some due to life experiences. In these couple of sentences have you figured out who you are? Well, if you want to learn just sit with yourself and ask others what they see when they look at you. When doing this realize there may be honesty and you personally asked for the opinions of others.  Once done sit with the information and take it to prayer to ask the one who knows you best. The identity you have may shock you as time passes to realize the strengths and capabilities that you hold within. When knowing this information about self it helps as you go through the healing process. It helps you as an individual to identify each emotion that is tied to what is heard. Here is the thing you don’t have to accept each response from all individuals but, the idea is to listen.












The idea of knowing you must listen can be tough but, this is a different type of healing as you are now exploring who you are. Can you listen to what others say about you without becoming offended about what is being said. This is also testing your emotions as everyone may handle this differently. The difference between a truth and a lie can make it that much harder. Yes, you are now in the hot seat listening to others as they say what they think about you. It’s not pretty when you think about it. This is something right… because it builds character and helps with controlling the emotions. I ask again by now have you begun to question, or identify who you are?  This is also why you must make sure you examine the people you have around you to get the answer of honesty. If the people around, you are not healed properly how can they help you? Think about the question because some people will say anything as they oppose their own personal emotions on to you.





The most important thing is to listen and listen carefully. Oh! Don’t worry too much about the answers, as God he will send those people along your path to help with your healing. Why do you think he will do that? God loves you more than you can image so he wants the best for you even when things does not appear as it seems. That should be enough joy to praise him knowing that He loves you that much. What can I say, this is who our creator is. It makes you ask the question what type of Love is this… right? Yea, once you experience His love it will feel different. Healing is attached to listening verses hearing which are different. Listening is vital as this allow you to hear the voice of God speak with you…lol, he is always speaking did you just hear him. Pay attention in this phase because you can miss the instruction that was given to you. By the time you finish reading you will be able to master the art of listening properly to receive what it is that you need. This is why being alone from distractions can help with this unique but beautiful skill.












Thus far, I have given you a way to help identify who you are. When you say who you are make sure you use “I AM” as God told Moses when asked who I say sent me and God replied, “I AM THAT I AM”. That is so powerful but beautiful in one sentence. Now, I ask you again for the fourth time WHO ARE YOU? Sit, listen, pray, and watch the answer come to you just because you searched out the information of healing and listening. If no one told you GOD’s healing is the best healing received. All because he is the great “I AM”.

	


	





	

		
It’s the Mother in Me
	


	
	

		








It was the mother in me
Fierce, appreciative, humble
The thought she had a family she couldn’t humble
Characteristics, Never seen before
Who is this person?
It’s the mother in me
In the mirror it became a reflection
What do you see?
Loving, gentle, caring, kind
I looked at her from another perspective
I thought she was a nobody so I never reflected
It’s the mother in me
Took one look and realized…that was me
Dug deep so I decided to peak
She was brave, strong, intelligent
No one told her she was built for it
It was the mother in me
Reflected on pass tears she never identified
Wife, girlfriend, womb
Gave all she could
Passed by as she was misunderstood
Walked on, embraced but never replaced
It was the mother in me
Strength, wisdom…love was always her grace
Distant, prayerful in every tragedy
The potential she held it could never break free
Laughter, pain would have drove her insane
Lessons, blessings, who could this be?
It was God who created the mother in me





This poem is for the mothers who questioned their inability to parent. In knowing the struggles, it takes to raise a child/children. You are not alone as there is no true manual on how to parent. Despite what your circumstances may be even with grown children you are still a mother who done your best. So, for that I want to say a special thank you to all mother’s even to the mothers who loss their child no matter adult or other… you are still a mother in my eyes. Thank you for taking the time to read this poem. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!

	


	





	

		
A smile behind the crowd
	


	
	

		

Daily writing prompt
What do you do to be involved in the community?
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I give back to my community by helping those with a mental health diagnosis understand their diagnosis is not a handicap. I educate and teach those around in my community just stopping and listening to a complete stranger is given back. No, it may not be in an actual organization, but sometimes it’s the small things that we do that are not displayed for others to see. I like to speak to people in the community to provide a smile and help them to laugh. Helping people in the community to laugh helps to lighten the load for some because, we never know what another person is going through. So, I guess it would be just having a simple conversation with a stranger but, teaching and communicating to my clients’ positive social interaction. In addition to being a listening ear to someone in need. It is amazing what just being silent in someone presence can help them with…I guess that’s why I love what I do… inspiring another to see all people are not bad in the world.





Thank you for taking the time in reading.

	


	





	

		
Alight
	


	
	

		

I came to the end of the road today only to tell someone it's time to alight.
Alight? they asked here in this strange place where do I go next.
next to the road, that will lead you to your next destination only to realize without reservation.
Alight again it was said, what else can I do instead; I don't feel the need to get off just yet.
If you do not alight, you may miss your destiny a destiny that is filled with dreams.
How can I dream when I am not ready only to realize I was born ready?
Alight I must go to get to my next destination and maybe I'll find my revelation.
So long everyone that was in my past it is time for me to move forward.
So, I can create another past, a past that will lead me to endless books.
I came to the end of a road that was not meant to last.
Now the vision is crystal clear in front of me I don't mind alighting for my next destiny.








Thanks for taking time to read as this poem pushed me to use the word Alight to see what I was able to form. My message is simple don’t be afraid to step out of the ordinary to get you where you belong. It may seem uncomfortable but, eventually you will realize it was worth it. I personally myself had to realize what it took and now, I am happy to not look back. Let me know if you are able to resonate with this poem. Thank you again.

	


	





	

		
Do I even have direction? lol!
	


	
	

		

Daily writing prompt
What gives you direction in life?
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When I think about the word direction, I think of my spiritual walk with the Holy Spirit as he leads and guides me in the direction I should go. The walk that I continue at times to stumble and not always get right but, become redirected. “I feel your presence, but it is sometimes hard to bear” -Kieona Jones (Kept Me) but, knowing that God is always there, gives me all the direction I need. So, I thank you the people who read this as you are the people, He uses to help along my journey. Thank you in advance.







The Road to Damascus